People Category: AIAA DEFENSE Forum 2022

Dr. Alexander Kott serves as the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory’s Chief Scientist, reporting to the Director of ARL. In this role he provides leadership in development of ARL technical strategy, maintaining technical quality of ARL research, and representing ARL to the external technical community. Dr. Kott is also the Army Senior Research Scientist (ST) for Cyber Resilience, in which capacity he formulates the vision of future technologies critical to the Army cyber resilience, and advocates and shapes plans and programs leading to such technologies.

Prior to becoming the Chief Scientist of ARL, Dr. Kott was the Chief of the Network Science Division at ARL, leading a division of over 140 scientists, engineers, technologists and analysts, both Government employees and on-site contractors; focusing on innovative basic and applied research, threat analysis, technology transition and security operations in computer, communications, information, and social networks; formulating and executing a broad range of internal and extramural research programs.

Earlier, Dr. Kott served as a Program Manager at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he was responsible for strategic research and technology planning, formulation, budgetary estimates, structuring, source selection, staffing, technical and operational management, and financial management of multiple, large-scale R&D projects. He planned, supervised and controlled the annual budget of up to $30M, and activities and contracts of over 100 scientists and engineers from over 20 organizations, Government, industry and academia. Kott’s earlier positions included Director of Research and Development at Carnegie Group, Pittsburgh, PA. There, his work focused on novel information technology approaches, such as Artificial Intelligence, to complex problems in engineering design, and planning and control in manufacturing, telecommunications and aviation industries.

Dr. Kott earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1989, where he researched AI approaches to invention of complex systems. He received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award, in October 2008. He published over 100 technical papers and served as the co-author and editor of twelve books.

Eliahu (Eli) H. Niewood is vice president, intelligence programs and cross-cutting capabilities at MITRE. In this role, Niewood leads MITRE’s efforts to identify national security problems that require joint and multi-agency solutions and shape MITRE and the nation’s response to those problems.  He also leads MITRE in applying systems engineering, technology expertise, and innovation to help the intelligence and federal law enforcement communities leverage cutting-edge technology for mission success, integrate across agencies, and operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

His focus also includes building collaboration between MITRE’s intelligence, national security, and public sector portfolios, particularly where whole-of-government solutions are required.

Niewood served as technical director for the Cross-cutting Urgent Innovation Cell, where he revamped the DoD-funded National Security Engineering Center’s analysis capabilities in ways that will provide lasting benefits across MITRE’s national security work. Those analysis capabilities were used to help drive MITRE’s efforts in helping the national security community use emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to solve critical mission problems.

Niewood has directed MITRE’s work in developing a new generation of command and control technology for the Department of Defense (DoD). He joined MITRE in 2017, bringing rich experience in systems analysis and tactical system technologies.

Previously, Niewood was a technical adviser to the director of the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. He also served as head of the Engineering Division at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he oversaw mechanical, aerospace, and control systems engineers building space payloads and aircraft sensor systems.

From 2011-2014, Niewood served as chair of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, a Federal Advisory Committee of 50 national experts in science and technology fields. He previously served as a member of the Defense Science Board Task Force on unexploded ordnance.

Niewood holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT and a certificate in Leadership for the 21st Century from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Dr. Boulware serves as the Technical Director and Deputy Division Chief for the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO) within the J8’s Deputy Directorate for Force Protection (DDFP). As Technical Director, he is the senior scientific and technical advisor to JIAMDO, overseeing research, development, and acquisition associated with integrated air and missile defense. As the Deputy Division Chief, he executes all aspects of the JIAMDO mission to support the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) by coordinating development of air and missile defense capabilities.

Dr. Boulware’s prior experience spans scientific research and development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, and acquisition for the government, private sector, and a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). His research activities include theoretical and experimental fluid mechanics, wind tunnel testing, microgravity testing, arcjet testing, space exploration architecture design, and cryogenic magnetohydrodynamics. Within the public sector, he has worked at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Sustainment Center, and the National Reconnaissance Office. He holds a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Utah State University, a Master of Military Operational Art and Sciences from Air University, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington. He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.Dr. Boulware serves as the Technical Director and Deputy Division Chief for the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO) within the J8’s Deputy Directorate for Force Protection (DDFP). As Technical Director, he is the senior scientific and technical advisor to JIAMDO, overseeing research, development, and acquisition associated with integrated air and missile defense. As the Deputy Division Chief, he executes all aspects of the JIAMDO mission to support the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) by coordinating development of air and missile defense capabilities. Dr. Boulware’s prior experience spans scientific research and development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, and acquisition for the government, private sector, and a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). His research activities include theoretical and experimental fluid mechanics, wind tunnel testing, microgravity testing, arcjet testing, space exploration architecture design, and cryogenic magnetohydrodynamics. Within the public sector, he has worked at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Sustainment Center, and the National Reconnaissance Office. He holds a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Utah State University, a Master of Military Operational Art and Sciences from Air University, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington. He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Dr. Sarah L. Muccio is the Acting Chief Scientist for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate, Rome, NY.

In the field of information assurance, Dr. Muccio works with scientists to mathematically model systems and analyze information. She conducts research on the science of mission assurance, emerging technologies and maps mission essential functions to their cyber assets. Dr. Muccio also provides vision and direction to the cyber portfolio in her role as Cyber CTC Lead. Dr. Muccio enjoys educating future cyber security leaders and was the 2012- 2017 Advanced Course in Engineering (ACE) Internship Director.

EDUCATION
2003 Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude, Youngstown State University
2006 Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University
2007 Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University
2011 National Reconnaissance Operations Center Systems Knowledge Course, Rome, NY

CAREER CHRONOLOGY

1. 2007-2009, Associate Mathematician, Cyber Defense Branch, AFRL/RIGA
2. 2009- 2018, Mathematician, Cyber Science Branch, AFRL/RIGA
3. 2018-2021 Senior Mathematician, Cyber Assurance Branch, AFRL/RIGA
4. 2021-Present Cyber S&T CTC Lead, Information Exploitation & Operations Division, AFRL/RIG
5. 2009-Present, Adjunct Faculty Member, Syracuse University
6. 2022-Present, Acting Chief Scientist, AFRL Information Directorate AFRL/RI

AWARDS AND HONORS
1999-2003 University Scholar at Youngstown State University, (YSU)
2003 COMAP Mathematical Modeling Competition Outstanding Winner and MAA Prize recipient
2003 Research Fellow, Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute, (SAMSI)
2009 Finalist AFRL Commander’s Cup (Team) Award
2009-2020 Notable Achievement Awards
2019 General Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Team Award

Dr. Craig Lawrence is the Director for Systems Research at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security and a Visiting Research Scientist with the Institute for Systems Research at the University of Maryland at College Park. Prior to the University of Maryland, Dr. Lawrence was a Program Manager for the Strategic Technology Office (6/2013 – 4/2019). At DARPA, Dr. Lawrence created and managed the Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) portfolio of programs, where he was responsible for five major DARPA programs, including the creation of a family of four unique programs (plus multiple studies, SBIR projects, and a young faculty award) valued at over $180M addressing critical BMC2 technology gaps within the services and to provide key enablers for the DARPA/STO system of systems (later “Mosaic Warfare”) vision.  Dr. Lawrence was awarded the DARPA Meritorious Public Service Medal for his service (2019).

From 1999 to 2013, Dr. Lawrence was in industry, culminating with the position of Technical Director in the Technology Solutions division (now Fast Labs) at BAE Systems where he managed a group focused on defense and intelligence R&D.  Highlights include leading the DARPA Advanced ISR Management (AIM) program, developing the Multi-Asset Synchronizer, an ISR planning tool for which he was recognized with the BAE Systems Bronze Chairman’s Award in 2005, and later the BAE Systems Technology Transition of the Year award for successful transition of MAS.   Dr. Lawrence ran the DARPA Conflict Modeling, Planning, and Outcome Experimentation (COMPOEX) program developing a modeling and simulation framework, planning tools, and modeling technologies in support of country-level strategic planning (recognized with the BAE Systems Bronze Chairman’s Award in 2008).  Dr. Lawrence also led the DARPA Behavioral Learning and Adaptive Electronic Warfare (BLADE) program (recipient of the Technology Solutions Best Collaboration of the Year award for the proposal effort) applying machine learning technology to learn behaviors of complex unknown RF threats in real-time and developing control-based technologies to construct surgical jamming strategies.

Official Bio

Leslie Babich joined the DEFENSEWERX team to lead SOFWERX in Tampa, FL, in October 2020. As the Director of SOFWERX, Leslie provides operational and personnel oversight while developing and implementing business plans that optimize results for its government partner, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Leslie brings 20+ years of special operations experience where she served as an MC-130 Pilot in Air Force Special Operations Command. She’s held various leadership positions, including squadron command, Director of the Commander’s Action Group at Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Component – Central.  She also served as the Fixed-Wing Assessment Director and Chief of Program Analysis and Evaluation at the United States Special Operations Command in the Force Structure, Requirements, Resources, and Strategic Assessment Directorate. During her service, she deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Enduring Freedom-Philippines, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Before joining SOFWERX, Leslie was employed as a Business Unit Manager with Jabil Defense and Aerospace in Saint Petersburg, FL.

Leslie received her Bachelor of Science in Management from the Air Force Academy, her Master of Arts in Counseling and Leadership from the University of Colorado, and her Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell AFB.

Dr. Jane Pinelis is the Chief of AI Assurance at the Department of Defense Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC). She leads a diverse team of testers and analysts in rigorous test and evaluation (T&E) as well as Responsible AI (RAI) implementation for JAIC capabilities, as well as development of AI Assurance products and standards that will support testing of AI-enabled systems across the DoD.

Prior to joining the JAIC, Dr. Pinelis served as the Director of Test and Evaluation for USDI’s Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team, better known as Project Maven. She directed the developmental testing for the AI models, including computer vision, machine translation, facial recognition and natural language processing. Her team developed metrics at various levels of testing for AI capabilities and provided leadership empirically-based recommendations for model fielding. Additionally, she oversaw operational and human-machine teaming testing, and conducted research and outreach to establish standards in T&E of systems using artificial intelligence.

Dr. Pinelis has spent over 10 years working predominantly in the area of defense and national security. She has largely focused on operational test and evaluation, both in support of the service operational testing commands and also at the OSD level. In her previous job as the Test Science Lead at the Institute of Defense Analyses, she managed an interdisciplinary team of scientists supporting the Director and the Chief Scientist of the Department of Operational Test and Evaluation on integration of statistical test design and analysis and data-driven assessments into test and evaluation practice. Before, that, in her assignment at the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity, Dr. Pinelis led the design and analysis of the widely publicized study on the effects of integrating women into combat roles in the Marine Corps. Based on this experience, she co-authored a book, titled “The Experiment of a Lifetime: Doing Science in the Wild for the United States Marine Corps.”

In addition to T&E, Dr. Pinelis has several years of experience leading analyses for the DoD in the areas of wargaming, precision medicine, warfighter mental health, nuclear non-proliferation, and military recruiting and manpower planning.

Her areas of statistical expertise include design and analysis of experiments, quasi-experiments, and observational studies, causal inference, and propensity score methods.

Dr. Pinelis holds a BS in Statistics, Economics, and Mathematics, an MA in Statistics, and a PhD in Statistics, all from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.